Places of Interest
War Remnants Museum
The disturbing War Remnants Museum highlights the horrors
of modern combat, and especially portrays the suffering inflicted
on the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. Previously called
the Museum of American War Crimes, the name was altered so as not
to cause offence to American visitors, but its displays do tell
the story from an anti-American perspective. The museum houses a
collection of weapons, machinery, artefacts and horrific photographs
illustrating the devastating affects of napalm, Agent Orange and
other weapons of mass destruction. One room is dedicated to biological
warfare, including the effects of the defoliant sprays that were
dumped over the country. Another room looks at worldwide demonstrations
for peace and international opposition to the war. In the courtyard
there are tanks, helicopters, planes and bombs on display.
Address: 28 Vo Van Tan St, District 3; Telephone: (08) 829 5587;
Opening time: Open daily from 7.30am to 11.45am and 1.30pm to 4.15pm;
Admission: 16,000d
Cholon
Cholon is the thriving warren of streets comprising the
Chinese district of Saigon, first settled by the Chinese Hoa merchants
at the end of the 18th century, and now home to the biggest ethnic
minority community in the country. The difference in environment
is immediately noticeable. The cluster of Chinese-signed streets
is a fascinating labyrinth of temples, restaurants, exotic stores,
medicine shops and markets. The best place to experience the bustle
of trade is at the crowded Binh Tay Market where the corridors are
filled with stalls offering a variety of exotic produce, from live
tethered ducks to nuts and seeds, as well as other household items.
There are several temples of interest in Cholon, including the colourful
Emperor of Jade Temple, the Quan Am Pagoda with its ornate exterior,
Phuoc An Hoi Quan Temple, its roof exquisitely ornamented with dragons
and sea monsters, and the Thien Hau Pagoda dedicated to the goddess
of the sea.
Transport: From the city centre take the Saigon Star Co bus to
Huynh Thoai Yen
Dinh Thong Nhat (Reunification Palace)
The Reunification Palace is beautiful in its ugliness, a 1960s monstrosity
designed with the help of Soviet architects. Most people will remember
the image of a North Vietnamese tank crashing through the gates
on 30 April 1975 signifying the fall of Saigon. The tank still graces
the front lawn. Rooms open to the public remain exactly as they
were in 1975, showing where important meetings were held during
the war, as well as some of the private quarters of the president
and his family. Most fascinating are a series of underground tunnels
housing a telecommunications centre.
 Nam
Ky Khoi Ngia, District 1
Tel: (08) 822 3652.
Opening hours: Daily 0730-1100 and 1300-1600.
Admission charge.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The twin towers of Notre Dame Cathedral have been a familiar landmark
in Ho Chi Minh City since the 1880s. In front of the cathedral in
a small garden is a delicate statue of the Virgin Mary. The interior
of the cathedral is rather plain, unlike most French cathedrals,
with no stained glass, but it is a cool escape from the heat outside.
Dong Khoi, District 1
Opening hours: No formal times.
Free admission; donations appreciated.
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